What would you do? Vortech or Closed Loop
 

I am still in the planning stages but I will be upgrading to a 180. In looking at the different flow options I am having trouble deciding between a Vortech MP40 or a Closed Loop with a Oceans Motions Super Squirt. Is either of these clearly better than the other or is it a matter of preference?

Joe.

The large power heads are more efficient (watts vs gph) and adjustable just need to balanced off do you want them in your tank.

Take a look on OM site WaterPix forum for clean CL layouts.

btw I'm running a OM 4-way with a Dart on my 145g. Also a SS is different than a 4way

Thanks Mark, would you say that the Vortech would move as much water as a closed loop with a QuietOne 9000. I realize that they draw less power but if I only had one would it provide enough flow?

My understanding is that the Super Squirt has the same functionality of the 4-Way just less volume, is this correct?

A Vortex MP40 draws 28w at 3200gph. The Quiet one 9000 is 145w for 2328gph then you'll still have friction losses. Would it be enough for a 180g, seems on the low end if planning SPS. See this thread for an idea of what other people have.

People are suggesting I get two MP40s for my 90 instead of just one, so I would think you'd need two for sure in a 180.

You would need at least 2 in a 180. I have 2 in my 6' 125G and wouldn't mind another.

From everything I understand, that is the case. The 4 way has a capacity of 7500gph while the super squirt is 2500, but 2500 is still high for that kind of plumbing?

PS. If you decide to go with a super squirt, I have one for sale, Brand New In Box.

I have 2 mp40w in my 60x24x24 150 gal sps tank. and i dont have them turned full bore yet.. and i have alot of flow in there.

Do both:surprise:

Yup, I agree! That's what I'm doing.. Dart Closed Loop and a MP40w in a 187G..

Tunze :bounce:

Oh sure, trying to bring a knife to a gunfight??

The nice thing about the MP40 is all the different modes you can program. Fast waves, slow waves, two variable modes to simulate either a reef or lagoon, feeding mode and also the night mode which powers it down to 50% at night. And I'm not just saying that because I'm trying to get people into the group buy :lol:

The other thing that looks nice to me is that the Vortechs seem to produce a broader and gentler flow than Tunze or Koralia by using a much larger propeller that spins more slowly. To me it seems like a more realistic and more natural flow than the produced by smaller powerheads etc.

If doing both, would it be sufficient to skip the the Super Squirt and just have the closed loop producing a constant stream to four outlets, then have the MP40 for creating the wave etc. I think cost wise I would upgrade to the 4Way and a larger pump rather than 2 MP40s.

That's my plan.. mp40 for the random flow, and straight shot with the closed loop.

The way I figured it...you can always add vortechs or tunzes later. You can't add a CL later..certainly not easily anyway. Build the CL, then add pumps later if you really need them.

I'd just go with Vortechs. Closed loops are so inefficient . . . but I guess the one up side is that you can route the closed loop outlets up through the bottom of the tank and incorporate them into the rock work.

I am leaning towards a four outlet closed loop, probably all from the bottom with the input center back. Two corner overflows with four returns from the eurobracing. The way I have it calculated I should get about 25 times turnover. I would hope a single MP40 would be enough to get things stirring. I could also add the OM SS or 4Way later. Or maybe plumb the SS now and add the Vortech (but I would like to get in on the group buy now).